11 31 010 Adjusting camshaft timing (M62 VANOS from 9/98): Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW X5, 2002 BMW X5, 2001 BMW X5, and 2000 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required

00 9 250
11 2 300
11 2 441
11 2 442
11 2 443
11 2 444
11 2 445
11 2 446
11 4 230
11 4 231
11 4 232
11 5 180
11 6 440
11 6 450
11 6 451
11 6 452
11 7 380

Remove intake filter housing with air-mass flow sensor.

Remove fan impeller with fan clutch and fan cowl.

Remove both cylinder head covers.

Remove spark plugs. See 12 12 011 REPLACING ALL SPARK PLUGS

NOTE: In firing TDC position, the inlet camshaft 1 to 4 rotates in the teeth of the camshaft adjustment unit.

CAUTION: This twisting is caused by the position of the cams and is not an indication for incorrect timing.

Fig 1: Identifying Inlet Camshaft Rotation

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove oil lines on left and right of cylinder head.

Fig 2: Identifying Oil Lines On Left And Right Of Cylinder Head

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Turn engine in direction of rotation as far as TDC firing position of first cylinder.

Fig 3: Identifying Direction Of Rotation Of Camshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.